now, president obama, taking real will a tough line on that issue of taxes, it's the big sticking point, has been all along and past negotiations, of course president obama has been criticized by democrats who say that he's given in too quickly on the issue of taxes. of course he campaigned on the issue of raising taxes on wealthier americans. so this time he's not backing down. so these negotiations have really been centered, to some extent, on that issue of taxes. the president really using his bully pulpit to try to pressure congress, congressional republicans, making a number of public appearances, include, of course, during that exclusive interview on "meet the press" today when he said that republicans are to blame for this fiscal cliff stalemate. chris? >> kristin welker, thanks to you and thanks to nbc's kelly o'donnell on the hill as well. more ahead this hour as we continue to cover the ongoing negotiations on the hill. why a small deal now would set up a big fight later. more on secretary of state hillary clinton who has been hospitalize tonight with a blood clot. msnbc's liv